Is your toilet tank filling more slowly than usual? This is a frequent toilet problem with multiple possible causes. Luckily, none of them are serious concerns or expensive to correct. Follow this guide to get your slow toilet working quickly again.
How to Repair a Slow-Filling Toilet
Learning why your toilet is slow to fill is your first step toward fixing it. Keep in mind these potential reasons and the best way to handle each one.
Partially Closed Water Supply Valve
Check behind the toilet for the water supply hook-up connected to the wall. You’ll notice a valve connected to it, which helps you to close off the water when repairs or full replacement of the tank is needed. Examine the value to ensure it is fully open.
Problems with the Fill Valve or Tube
The fill valve, which is close to the top of a vertical tube device in the toilet tank, manages the water level flowing into the tank. A toilet fill valve might wear out, clog or slip out of alignment after years of use, hindering the tank from filling appropriately. Follow these instructions to adjust, clear out or fix the fill valve:
- Search for the fill valve: Lift the toilet tank lid and find the fill valve inside. It’s usually secured on the left side with a tailpiece extending through the bottom of the tank and linking to the supply tube and shut-off valve.
- Adjust the fill valve: Make sure the fill valve is secure and evenly connected to the tube. Change the fill valve height if necessary by twisting the adjustment knob (typical to newer toilets) or find a flathead screwdriver and loosen the adjustment screw (required for older toilets). After that, check that the water level is about one inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Clear debris from the fill valve: To eliminate mineral buildup and other sludge from the valve, first shut off the water in the back of the toilet and take off the fill cap. After that, slowly turn the water back on, cupping your hand over the valve to keep from being sprayed. Allow the water to flow for a few seconds to flush out dirt. Next, scrub away mineral buildup off the fill cap. If you notice cracks or excessive wear and tear, replace the valve.
- Clean the valve tube: Debris inside the valve tube could also be to blame. Shut off the water supply and take out the valve hardware. Next, run a thin wire or bottle brush into the tube. Open the water supply slightly to rinse away the remaining residue. Replace the valve hardware and verify if the toilet fills quicker.
Waterlogged Float Ball
The float ball in older toilet models rises with the water level, shutting the fill valve once the tank has filled. If the float ball is damaged or punctured and fills with water, it blocks the tank from filling correctly.
Remove the tank lid and view inside. A partially sunken float ball could be waterlogged. Prior to replacing the ball, check the float arm it’s attached to. If the arm is pointed too low in the tank, bend it up slightly to elevate the ball’s height.
If that fails to solve the issue, you might want to simply buy a new float ball; the average cost of this product ranges between $7-$20 in most hardware or home improvement stores. Just be aware that this is old toilet technology, so it might possibly be better to modernize the existing tank components or replace the toilet altogether.
Clogged Plumbing Vent
Your home plumbing system uses vents that enable air to enter the pipes. If they are clogged, stress may build within the pipes, stopping the water from flowing. This can, in turn, make your toilet fill slowly or even cause the bowl to overflow.
You need to get on the roof to look for clogged plumbing vents. Start looking for long, vertical PVC pipes poking up from the roof tiles. Clear away any animal nests, deep snow or other obstructions you find to guarantee that your plumbing can function as intended.
Leaky or Blocked Pipe
If there's nothing apparently wrong with the water supply valve, fill valve and tube, float ball or plumbing vents, the slow toilet issue could stem from your supply pipes. A problem with the water line itself could restrict your toilet tank from filling appropriately. It’s best to hire a licensed plumber to tackle these issues.
Schedule Toilet Repair with Midway Services
When all else fails, turn to Midway Services for dependable toilet repair in Clearwater. We can figure out the reason why the water flow is so slow and perform a budget-friendly repair. If the fixture has reached the end of its useful life span, our team can suggest high-efficiency toilet replacement in Clearwater. We’ll help you decide on the replacement model and install it for you. You can relax knowing that every job we execute is supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To schedule a visit from us, please connect with Midway Services today.